The Development Bank of Nigeria has continued to strengthen its role as a lifeline for small businesses. Recently, the bank completed a major capacity-building training workshop across Northern Nigeria that touched many lives. The project directly empowered over 1,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, offering them both knowledge and access to sustainable growth. Every session was designed to teach financial literacy, proper record-keeping, and smart ways to manage limited resources. The participants left with renewed confidence that their businesses could compete in a tough market.
The Development Bank of Nigeria designed the training to ensure that business owners gained more than just funding. Many small entrepreneurs often lack the skills needed to manage money and build lasting enterprises. This program therefore focused on both financial access and practical tools for resilience. It was a hands-on experience that made participants feel seen, valued, and supported in their struggles. The excitement among the entrepreneurs showed that the project delivered real impact beyond the classroom.
In addition to this recently completed project, the bank continues to deliver wider support across the nation. It has already disbursed over ₦1 trillion to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in several states. Many of these businesses operate in disadvantaged areas where opportunities are scarce. The funds have supported more than 69,000 enterprises, creating hope where challenges once seemed impossible to overcome. For many entrepreneurs, this access to credit marked the first time they could expand beyond survival.
The Development Bank of Nigeria is not only funding businesses, it is also shaping mindsets. The bank has trained over 9,500 entrepreneurs through capacity-building programs similar to the recent workshop. These training sessions provide business owners with the skills to sustain growth and reduce the risk of failure. Beyond the numbers, the most inspiring part is the transformation of dreams into achievable goals. People who once doubted their chances now believe they can create jobs and value.
Last year alone, the bank disbursed ₦786 billion to nearly half a million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. This was a milestone that showed the commitment of the institution to economic empowerment. What makes this achievement more remarkable is the deliberate focus on women and youth. Many young people and female entrepreneurs benefited from the loans and training, giving them a fair chance to thrive. The Development Bank of Nigeria has also recorded zero non-performing loans, which reflects discipline and trust.
This latest completed project mirrors the vision of the bank to combine funding with practical training. It goes beyond giving loans to ensuring that businesses have the strength to survive in the long term. Every completed workshop adds another layer of sustainability to Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each empowered entrepreneur represents a step forward in job creation and poverty reduction. The Development Bank of Nigeria has positioned itself as more than a lender; it has become a true partner in progress.
The most recent training workshop brought people together, inspired them, and gave them the courage to dream bigger. It was not just about lectures or figures, it was about human stories of hope and survival. Entrepreneurs who once struggled now see a future filled with opportunity. The Development Bank of Nigeria has shown that with the right mix of credit and capacity, businesses can flourish. This completed project is a symbol of what the bank continues to achieve for the nation.
